ALTOONA, Pa. -- Bell Atlantic officials and Altoona community leaders
joined State Sen. Robert C. Jubelirer Friday morning to celebrate the
completion of a new call-processing center that will bring more than 55
new jobs to the community. That number could double within a few
years.

The officials cut a symbolic ribbon at the facility built by Bell Atlantic at
the Station Mall. Hiring is now underway for jobs at the center, which
will help callers complete long distance calls. The company is investing
more than $1 million on site renovation, technology and staffing at the
center.

"We're pleased to celebrate Bell Atlantic's connection with the
Altoona community," said Judy Haberkorn, president of consumer
sales and service for Bell Atlantic. "This is truly a partnership, with
Bell Atlantic supplying the jobs and Altoona supplying the qualified,
conscientious workers that will be key to the success of the center."

Following the ceremony, officials toured the new facility and attended a
lunch where they celebrated the impact of the center on the community.

"This is a tremendous development, with a major
telecommunications supplier making a significant commitment of good
jobs in our city," said Sen. Jubelirer. "This project provides us
with a wonderful marketing message that if companies supply the
investment, we have the workers and the sites to turn opportunity into
productive reality. The confidence Bell Atlantic is showing in our future
sends a strong signal that downtown Altoona is again becoming a good
place to set up shop."

Altoona Mayor Tom Martin and Richard Reeves, president of the board of
directors of the Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation,
acknowledged the importance of the facility and the jobs it brings to
Altoona

Bob Ingalls, vice president of consumer marketing for Bell Atlantic, said
that changes in the telecommunications industry are bringing new
opportunities to companies like Bell Atlantic, and that those opportunities
will result in positive economic impact in the communities Bell Atlantic
serves.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and information
industry. With more than 43 million telephone access lines and more than 10
million wireless customers worldwide, Bell Atlantic companies are premier
providers of advanced wireline voice and data services, market leaders in
wireless services and the world's largest publishers of directory information. Bell
Atlantic companies are also among the world's largest investors in high-growth
global communications markets, with operations and investments in 23 countries.